Christmas is the Season for Giving

by Cindy Hochart, RN, MBA, PMP

Have you heard that the Christmas season is when suicide rates are at their highest? Well, it turns out that is NOT true. It’s a myth that has been kept alive through retelling it over and over.

The fact is, that according to the Centers for Disease Control, December is actually the month of the year that the rate of suicides drops to its lowest point. That’s more like it! The month we celebrate the birth of Jesus should be full of Joy and thanksgiving.

Christmas is the time of year when we focus on family and on giving to others. The very act of giving is healing. Giving to others takes our attention off our own problems and focus on the needs of others.

In tough financial times, Christmas can mean increased stress from the pressure of buying gifts for family and friends. However, remember that giving from the heart does not mean a purchased gift! Some of the most appreciated gifts are those that we give of ourselves. But what should it be?

The way to come up with a meaningful gift is to really think about what is important to the person receiving the gift. Think about what they love. Think about what their challenges are. Is there something you can do to make their life easier?

Consider these three options for gift giving that counts this season:

1. Acts of Service: Provide a gift of your time to relive a burden or provide a treat. Possible examples: Free house cleaning, car wash, a night of babysitting.
2. Gifts of Experience: A loving experience will be remembered long after any commercial gift is forgotten. It doesn’t have to be expensive. It really is the thought and heart that counts. Put some thought into what they like. If they are a movie lover, how about a movie night of their favorite movie complete with popcorn? Do something they love and make it all about bringing them joy and love.
3. Personally Crafted Gifts: I still have a lopsided, oversized ceramic mug made by my daughter in 7th grade. I love it because it was made for me by someone I love. Again, think about what would bring the person pleasure. Is there a way you can make something to bring them joy?

Another thing that can really decrease your gift-giving stress is to discuss it up front. Together you can set up gift exchange guidelines. It doesn’t have to be an awkward discussion and it doesn’t have to be about money. Share that you really want the holiday season to be about love and sharing rather than a focus on money and buying.

When you­ come to an agreement that gift exchanges can be meaningful and from the heart, your stress goes down and the focus back on expressions of love. where gifts should come from.